Preview: No. 17 Maryland women’s basketball prepares for season opener against George Mason

Offseason talk can be discussed ad nauseam — people talking over different transfers, freshman and playing styles. However, those talks soon become meaningless when the ball drops, and the season begins.

For No. 17 Maryland women’s basketball, its journey will start on Monday, as the Terps travel to George Mason for the season opener.

In its two exhibition games, Maryland had some moments of positivity to take away, but also key areas that must be corrected before the season begins.

Coach Brenda Frese knows that with all the new faces, finding the right lineup combinations will take time.

“We’re looking at rotations,” Frese said. “We’re trying to get the best possible shape as we can, just kind of finding the different combinations that fit well together both offensively and defensively and that’s going to continue to be a work in progress.”

For one, there was a lack of perimeter shooting in both games. Against Millersville, Abby Meyers was the only Terp to make a three, and the Terps shot 14 percent from deep.

“The coaches told me that I need to play a sharpshooting role on this team … I know I am a knockdown shooter,” Meyers said.

Additionally, turnovers were an issue. While the Terps want to get out in transition and play fast, maintaining possession will be key against the Patriots. Elisa Pinzan will likely be the starting point guard, and the transfer from USF will be tasked with getting the offense in the right sets.

“The transition game for us is going to be a big piece of our offense,” Frese said.

Despite the turnover issues, there were a few bright spots for Maryland to count on heading into Monday. Perhaps most importantly, Diamond Miller looked completely healthy, as the senior guard is “A-OK” according to Frese.

Miller had 28 points and 13 rebounds over the two exhibition games, in spite of missing a few easy layups in transition. If she is ready to take a step as the lead scorer, that bodes well for the Terps.

As the focus transitions to Monday, Miller is likely to have a big day. George Mason’s defense allowed 65.7 points per game last year, 223rd in the country.

The Patriots lost serious production from last year, as leading scorer Amaya Scott departed in the offseason, along with another top scorer in Jordan Wakefield.

However, George Mason does return two near double digit scorers, as Tamia Lawhorn (9.8 points per game) and Taylor Jameson (9.0 points per game) should make up the scoring for the Patriots. 

Lawhorn is someone that Frese will have to gameplan for, as the senior forward shot just over 35% from three point range last year. Expect for Miller or Lavender Briggs to draw the assignment on defense for the Terps.

In what should be an exciting season for Terps fans, the game against George Mason will be an interesting look at how Frese plays different lineups.

Frese said she expects this year’s personnel to be adapting and evolving, so whichever starting five steps onto the floor Monday night could potentially be changed as early as Friday night against No. 1 South Carolina.

Maryland and George Mason have only met six times all-time, and the Terps have won in all six meetings.

The last meeting came in 2012, when the Terps won by 50, 90-40.

The game will start at 7 p.m. and will take place at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax.